Overview & Reviews
The Volvo S60 is an established yet unconventional member of the entry-level luxury sedan segment. It competes in a class dominated by cars with normally aspirated six-cylinder engines and bucks the trend by offering a choice of two turbocharged engines, an inline-5 and an inline-6.
Styling is another area in which the Volvo S60 is unique, as this midsize sedan's body lines show off a modern and pleasing Scandinavian design aesthetic. Inside, the S60 strikes one as more functional than luxurious in its ambience, but it's hard to find fault with its carefully considered ergonomics and orthopedically designed seats.
There have been two generations of the S60. Those considering the first generation as a used car should find it easy to like, though in its later years it became increasingly outclassed in terms of performance, features and interior room. The newer S60 is fully competitive, however, thanks to a sportier, more engaging drive and an improved interior.
Current Volvo S60
The 2012 Volvo S60 is a midsize luxury sedan available in three trim levels -- T5, T6 and T6 R-Design. Each successive trim brings a more powerful engine and sportier suspension tuning and styling accents.
Standard feature highlights of the T5 include 17-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, power-folding rear headrests, Bluetooth and a full-featured eight-speaker sound system. The T6 adds a more powerful engine, 18-inch wheels and leather upholstery. The T6 R-Design adds more power, a firmer suspension, special styling tweaks, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, a sunroof and sport seats. Optional highlights include keyless ignition/entry, a navigation system, a 12-speaker premium audio system, adaptive cruise control and a dual-screen rear seat entertainment system.
Power for the front-wheel-drive T5 is ably provided by a turbocharged inline-5 engine with 250 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The all-wheel-drive T6 comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that produces 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to the T6 R-Design again means all-wheel drive, along with a more powerful version of the same engine good for 325 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is standard across the board.
In reviews, we've found the latest S60 to be a comfortable, sophisticated and well-behaved luxury sedan with plenty of power regardless of trim level. The option of an all-wheel-drive version is nice for those who live in inclement areas of the country. The S60's only major drawback is a slightly cramped backseat compared to roomier rivals.
Used Volvo S60 Models
After a one-year hiatus, the S60 returned, redesigned for 2011. Initially, this current-generation S60 was available only in T6 form. The following year brought the entry-level T5 and high performance-themed T6 R-Design trim levels.
The first-generation Volvo S60 was produced from 2001-'09, and was a replacement for the S70. Initially, it was offered in base 2.4, midlevel 2.4T or range-topping T5 trims. The S60 2.4 came with a 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine that produced 168 hp. The turbo 2.4T had 197 hp. The most powerful engine was the 247-hp 2.3-liter five-cylinder in the T5. An all-wheel-drive model called the 2.4T AWD joined the family in '02, and all models received enhancements to traction control and engine management systems, resulting in improved response.
In 2003, the AWD sedan switched to the 208-hp 2.5-liter engine, prompting Volvo to rename it the 2.5T AWD. In '04, the hot-rod 300-hp R was added to the mix, sporting a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, 18-inch wheels, performance tires and bi-xenon headlights. All S60 Rs were all-wheel drive, and buyers could choose between a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. Also that year, the front-drive S60 2.4T became the 2.5T, as it, too, picked up the 2.5-liter engine.
For '05, the Volvo S60 received an exterior and interior refreshing. The T5 got a bump in hp to 257 and a few other upgrades. In '06, Volvo dropped the base 2.4 model and upgraded the 2.5T AWD model with a new all-wheel-drive system for enhanced traction. The following year, all '07 S60s received revised front fascia styling. For 2008, the high-performance R model was dropped, and no significant changes occurred for '09. There was no S60 for 2010.
In reviews, we found this S60 offered a ride biased more toward comfort than speed. Handling was adequate, but the limits were modest on 2.5T and T5 models. However, shoppers should take note of the many mechanical and equipment changes made through this generation's run, as newer models offered more performance and features. Judged on its own merits, the Volvo S60 should be satisfying to own, but savvy consumers should also check out the S60's many competitors as they may offer more refinement and, for enthusiasts, a more involving drive.
User Reviews:
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Watch out for transmission problems - 2002 Volvo S60
By roadrep - May 14 - 6:41 pmI bought a 2002 S60 before doing my research. I didnt know that the 01 and 02 years had transmission problems. I would up with a $4000 bill for a new transmission! The lesson I learned was.....do your research. There was plenty of information on the internet about this problem. I wont do this again.
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Great to Drive My Wifes Car - 2004 Volvo S60
By Miner - May 14 - 2:00 amWer letting our daughters use our stalwart 240 wagon at university. My wife wanted Toyota, Subaru maybe Honda, but not BMer, Mercedes, or Jag. Maintenance is concern. I drive Suburban and Ferrari. Volvo is great to run around town and highway is fine. Sport package and turbo helps. Mileage is ok--22. Steering is safe but not Ferrari. Breaks good. Sweet car!
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Best AWD purchase - 2004 Volvo S60
By flying uittos - May 4 - 10:00 amWe test drove and researched many 2004 AWD sedans. BMW 325xi, great car/service but too pricey w/options. VW Passat GLX 4motion, no fold down rear seats (picky, I know, util you need them). Audi A4 3.0 quattro, too pricey w/options. Subaru Legacy 2.5GT/Outback, good value, proven AWD, but underpowered motor and nearly as much $$$ w/options as our Volvo. S60 was greatest value for the money especially w/family on the way. Equal to other German offerings but not as harsh on city streets. Uses same AWD system as Subaru. 28mpg! Very solid car, but quick on its feet...gotta love the Turbo! tip: Do your research & test drive on a rainy/snowy day.
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Totally enjoying my 2015.5 S60 T5 AWD - 2015 Volvo S60
By slin3 - May 3 - 9:49 amI have driven my 2015.5 S60 T5 AWD with Platinum package and BLIS for more than 1 month. Before purchase, I also test-drove 2014 BMW 328i xDrive, 2014 Lexus IS250 AWD, 2015 Audi A3 Quattro, 2014 Acura TL SH-AWD, in addition to 2014 S60 T5 (non-AWD). While I bought the car mainly for crash rating and safety feature, I was pleasantly surprised by how well/fun/engaging it runs. Among all the cars I tested, only 328i is slightly more fun with a much higher price tag. During the summer promotion I also got 5-year free maintenance. Overall a great value, with superior interior comfort, fun driving experience, and unbeatable safety features.
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Sporty! - 2005 Volvo S60
By Tony - April 22 - 12:23 amI just purchased my 2005 S60R with 6 speed MT. This car is fast, well balanced and very fun to drive. The turning radius is my biggest complaint so far but outside of that, the car has met my expectations which were pretty high. In addition to the great performance, the seats were a major selling point- very comfortable and good looking.
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Nice car - 2003 Volvo S60
By afshin - April 19 - 2:00 amA nice package, a four door luxury sedan with sporty look and feel. Beautiful interior as well as exterior. Chose bright color interior as it shows its true luxury and comfort. With 197 hp your are in control of road. It offers a quite ride and enjoyable driving experience
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So Far, So Good - 2003 Volvo S60
By RegularGuy - April 14 - 10:00 amBought this to replace my S40 (which was very poorly designed and built). Swore I would never buy another Volvo.. but at under $20,000 took the chance. Solid build quality, good ride, and nice quiet cabin. Even the base model is nicely equipped. Fun to drive (more power might be nice).. and comfortable (I am not a small guy).
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Rubber Trouble - 2001 Volvo S60
By Rubber Trouble - April 4 - 3:26 pmFun car to drive. Good handling and decent acceleration from anywhere except a stand still. Now for the horror: I have replaced 10 tires in 3 years. The car is not designed properly for the low profile tires that came with the car. I purchased a warranty on all tires from a national tire chain after the fourth $200 tire I purchased. Now I am swapping them out at $25 a pop on a regular basis. Annoying. Maintenance is expensive. Only other major problem is the discoloration of the strips that run across the roof of the car (along the top of the door). Very expensive to replace and after many letters to the company still no answer on why the body discolors on at $35k car after 3 years.
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Love the car, hate the navigation system - 2012 Volvo S60
By beignetva - April 3 - 3:13 amI have had this car for over a year. I love the way it handles, its well built, it drives like a charm. Unfortunately, the navigation system is useless. More often than not, it gets me lost and wants me to get off the highway then get back on for no reason. Ive started using my Iphone GPS as a backup as I cant trust this. Also, the way the update to the navigation system is done is antiquated. After asking for over 6 months, I finally received the CD update that took over 6 hours to load while the car was running. This is 2014. There has to be a better way. Unfortunately, as long as Volvo does not improve their navigation system like Audi has, I will not buy another Volvo.
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First Luxury Car Purchase - 2004 Volvo S60
By mjsa196 - April 2 - 4:30 pmThe Volvo S60 2.5T is a joy to drive. The smooth transmission and comfortable seats make city and cross crountry driving a pleasure. There is enough pep when you need to get around someone or something with the handling to supplement it. Great car.
